Electronic coldpack and method of use

ABSTRACT

An electronic coldpack and method of use are provided. The coldpack includes one or more thermoelectric components (e.g., thermocouples) that absorb heat at one surface and dissipate heat at another surface when energized (i.e., when electrical power is applied to the component). Multiple thermoelectric components may be aligned in a grid or other pattern, and sensors (e.g., temperature, optical, infrared) may be included in the coldpack and placed in proximity to some or all of the thermoelectric components. The sensors may monitor temperature output of the coldpack, monitor a temperature of an object to which the coldpack is applied (e.g., a body part), detect a skin condition (e.g., by skin color or temperature), or operate in some other way. In one mode of operation, the coldpack provides long-term uninterrupted cooling of the object. In another mode of operation, the coldpack is used to perform cryosurgery on a skin condition.

RELATED ART

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/830,445, filed Jun. 3, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to the field of electronics. More particularly,an electronic coldpack and methods of using an electronic coldpack areprovided.

Ice packs are often used for topical cooling to alleviate pain orswelling due to injury, and for general cooling in shipping containers,ice chests, and/or other vessels. Ice itself is often used for suchcooling, but is not reusable and therefore provides limited utility.

Reusable ice packs in the form of liquid-filled sacs or pouches arepopular, and generally contain water, a non-toxic material, or acombination of water and a non-toxic material (e.g., hydroxyethylcellulose, vinyl-coated silica gel). These packs are frozen and leftfrozen until needed, and thus are not always immediately available whenneeded. Some ice packs need not be frozen before use, however, such asthose that contain water and a breakable tube of ammonium nitrate. Whenthe tube is broken, the nitrate mixes with the water in an endothermicreaction, thereby cooling the pack for use. Reusable packs may bere-frozen and used again; also, in packs that use ammonium nitrate, thenitrate may be dried and reused afterward.

However, known ice packs, including reusable packs, have limited periodsof use, and therefore provide only relatively short-duration cooling.Long-term local cooling of an injury may be desired (e.g., overnight),but one ice pack (or even a collection of ice packs) will be spentrelatively quickly and will not provided the long-term uninterruptedeffect that is desired. Further, ice packs tend to be bulky and/orunstable, and tend to easily shift position and become displaced fromthe area of injury. Their weight and/or shape may also be uncomfortable.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an electronic coldpack and a method of using anelectronic coldpack are provided. An electronic coldpack incorporatesone or more thermoelectric components (e.g., thermocouples,thermoelectric coolers), which may illustratively be installed in alightweight and flexible wrap, with Velcro® straps or other means foraffixing the coldpack in place. The coldpack may be powered by AC(alternating current) or DC (direct current) provided by an externalsource or an internal source (e.g., a battery or fuel cell), andincludes one or more input controls (e.g., for setting a temperature ormode of operation) and/or output components (e.g., for displaying atemperature or mode of operation).

In some implementations, an electronic coldpack may include internaland/or external sensors, to determine a temperature of an object beingcooled (e.g., a body part, a user's skin, an inanimate object), to helpin positioning (e.g., an image sensor), to detect movement or loss ofalignment with a reference point or position, or for some other purpose.Illustrative sensors include an optical sensor for capturing an image,an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor), and/orothers.

In some therapeutic methods of use, an electronic coldpack is placedadjacent to or in contact with a target area (e.g., an ankle, a wrist)and secured using straps, a bandage, or other means. The coldpack isthen configured to yield a temperature and mode of operation selected bya user, doctor, nurse, physical therapist, or other qualified operator.The configuration may include a time period of operation after which itturns off, may maintain the specified temperature indefinitely, maycycle on and off (e.g., to provide intermittent rest periods with orwithout changing a level of cooling), may include vibration (for massagepurposes), may modify operation based on sensor input (e.g., to applycooling only when a temperature hits a threshold, to only apply coolingby a subset of the thermoelectric components), etc.

In some embodiments, an electronic coldpack may be specifically designedto provide cryotherapy. In these embodiments, the thermoelectriccomponent(s) is or are operated to yield a temperature low enough forcryosurgery to treat skin conditions such as warts, moles, actinickeratoses (AKs), or other lesions. Sensors within the coldpack mayassist with positioning and/or targeting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an electronic coldpack, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart demonstrating a method of use of an electroniccoldpack, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the disclosed embodiments, and is provided inthe context of one or more particular applications and theirrequirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principlesdefined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applicationswithout departing from the scope of those that are disclosed. Thus, theinvention or inventions associated with this disclosure are not intendedto be limited to the embodiments shown, but rather is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the disclosure.

In some embodiments, an electronic coldpack and method of using anelectronic coldpack are provided. In these embodiments, the coldpackcontains one or more thermoelectric components (e.g., thermocouples)that provide cooling when energized (i.e., when provided electricalenergy), in accordance with the thermoelectric (or Peltier) effect. Inother embodiments, a device or apparatus described herein for providingcooling may also, or instead, be configured to provide heat.

The degree of cooling varies from one embodiment to another, based onthe configurations of different coldpacks, which may differ according tothe number and/or size of thermoelectric components, the number ofstages, number of couples, current rating, their alignment (i.e., whichside of a given component is oriented in which direction), and/or otherparameters.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, a typical(single-stage) thermoelectric component is made of a mesh or grid ofinterconnected semiconductors of two different types (such as n- andp-types having different electron densities), arranged in parallelthermally and in series electrically, sandwiched between two thermallyconductive plates. When a current is applied to the semiconductor mesh,one plate absorbs heat (becomes cold) while the other dissipates orradiates heat (becomes hot). When the current is reversed, the effect onthe plates is reversed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic coldpack according to someembodiments. In these embodiments, coldpack 100 features an array ofthermoelectric components 110 and optional sensors 120, installed withina cover, swatch, pouch, sleeve, bandage, wrap, sling, compress, brace,or other means 130 for supporting and unifying the elements of thecoldpack. Cover 130 thus acts as a base of the coldpack, and may besubstantially flat except for the dimensions of components 110, sensors120, and any supporting circuitry, and may be made of fabric, rubber,plastic, or any other flexible material that can withstand heat and/orcold.

Individual components 110 may be sewn into cover 130, the cover mayfeature pockets or slots for receiving individual components, orcomponents 110 may be affixed to or embedded within the cover in someother manner. Optional strap 102 may be used to secure the coldpack inplace, and may use Velcro fasteners, elastic, a clip, and/or other meansfor doing so. Multiple straps or means for affixing the coldpack to anobject may be implemented.

Thermoelectric components 110 (and sensors 120) are aligned in a grid inFIG. 1, but may have various different layouts in other embodiments(e.g., circle, line, random, diamond), and may be spaced with anydesired distance between adjacent elements. On the heat dissipation sideof cover 130, which radiates heat, air channels may be built into thecover to assist with heat dispersion.

Components 110 may be homogeneous (i.e., of the same configuration) orheterogeneous (i.e., of different configurations). For example, in someimplementations all components 110 of coldpack 100 may be identical andmay be installed with the same orientation, such that when coldpack 100is energized, all components are powered and one side of cover 130absorbs heat while the other side dissipates heat.

In another illustrative configuration, different thermoelectriccomponents 110 may have different configurations, such that some yield agreater temperature differential than others, thereby causing some areasof cover 130 to become colder (or hotter) than others. Or, differentcomponents 110 may be selectively powered depending on a desiredtemperature output.

In yet another illustrative configuration, one subset of components 110may be installed with one orientation and another subset with theopposite orientation, such that when the first subset is powered, oneside of cover 130 is cooled (or heated), and when the other subset ispowered the other side of cover 130 is cooled (or heated). Or, they mayall have the same orientation (e.g., their heat absorption sides arecoplanar and their heat dissipation sides are also coplanar), butdifferent subsets of the components are energized in different modes ofoperation.

In some embodiments, sensors 120 are temperature sensors (e.g.,thermistors). In these embodiments, the sensors may be operated todetect the temperature output by the coldpack, or the temperature of auser's skin or whatever other object the coldpack is in contact with.Illustratively, the current supplied to different components 110, andthe resulting output (e.g., temperature differential), may be adjustedbased on the temperature that has been sensed by sensors 120. Forexample, if the purpose for using coldpack 110 is to maintain the objectwithin a particular temperature range, as the temperature changes, moreor less current may be applied, different components may be powered,etc. A given thermoelectric component may therefore cycle on and off atregular or varying intervals.

In some embodiments, sensors 120 are optical or infrared sensors, andcapture images of the skin or other object in contact with coldpack 100.The sensors may, for example, identify dark skin colorings that areindicative of a wart, mole, lesion or other condition. The sensors cantherefore assist in targeting such conditions for cryotherapy orcryosurgery performed by one or more of the thermoelectric components110.

In some of these embodiments, components 110 may be very small (e.g.,0.1 inches, 0.25 inches), and tightly packed, thereby allowing them totarget small skin conditions. Also, or instead, larger components may beemployed, thereby allowing full coverage of larger conditions. Or,multiple small components may be selectively powered to cover a largercondition.

Coldpack 100 may be powered by a built-in source, such as one or morebatteries (e.g., lithium-ion, fuel cell), or by a wired or wirelesssource (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant induction, magneticinduction). A wired or inductive power source may include aquick-disconnect tether that uses magnetic energy to remain connected,but that can be easily and safely disconnected if, for example, a userof the coldpack walks away while it is affixed to the user, shiftsposition while wearing the coldpack in bed, etc. Thus, although notshown in FIG. 1, coldpack 100 also includes a connection or coupling toan internal or external source of power.

Control panel 140 may be attached to any portion of coldpack 110, or maybe remotely coupled via a wireless communication connection (e.g.,Bluetooth), in which case the coldpack will also include suitablecommunication and computing components (e.g., a radio, a processor).Data regarding operation of the coldpack may be stored on the coldpackand/or transmitted to an external entity for processing and/orretention.

Display 142 of control panel 140 may display a current (output)temperature of the coldpack, a current mode of operation, a status(e.g., all components operating, a first subset of componentsoperating), and the display may be cycled through various states todisplay different information. Controls 144 of control panel 140 allow auser or operator to set or change a mode of operation, operatingparameters (e.g., minimum temperature, maximum temperature, a timer),etc.

Different modes of operation may serve to allow a timed period ofcooling or heating operation, intervals or repeating periods of poweringon and off some or all components 110, alternating between applying heatand cold (e.g., by reversing the current supplied to the components),automatic operation in which one or more components automatically startoperating if a sensor detects a predetermined condition (e.g., skintemperature rising above a threshold temperature), setting a timer toturn components on or off, and so on.

As described above, not all components 110 must operate at the sametime. In particular, different subsets of the components may formdifferent zones that can be controlled separately.

Nonvolatile memory 150 (e.g., flash memory) stores settings, programminginstructions for different modes of operations, communication parameters(e.g., Bluetooth paired device names), log files, usage history files,diagnostic routines, and/or other executable instructions or data foruse by a processor included in the control panel or some other portionof the coldpack.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart demonstrating a method of use of an electroniccoldpack, according to some embodiments.

In operation 200, the coldpack is affixed to, attached to, or otherwiseplaced in contact (or close proximity) to an object. This may involvestrapping the coldpack to an injury (e.g., a sprained ankle, a soreknee) or to some other object that is to be cooled.

In operation 202, the coldpack is turned on by pressing an on/offbutton, plugging it into an external source of electrical energy.Turning on the coldpack will supply electrical energy to an onboardprocessor and make it available to the one or more thermoelectriccomponents affixed to or built into the apparatus.

In operation 204, a diagnostic check or other self test routine isexecuted. This check may entail checksumming onboard memory, ensuringthat connected sensors are reporting reasonable inputs, loadingoperating logic, etc. Results of the diagnostic check may be storedonboard (e.g., in a log file) and/or reported externally.

In optional operation 206, the apparatus may sense and activate aspecial mode of operation. For example, one or more input controls maybe activated to initiate a diagnostic mode, reset the apparatus'programming to a default state, update operating logic, enter aphysician settings mode, output a history log file, set a date/timeand/or other parameters, clear a log file, etc.

In optional operation 208, if the apparatus includes or is coupled to anexternal device (e.g., an external, remote control pad), a handshakingprocess or other interface routine may be executed to establish orre-establish a wireless communication connection (e.g., a Bluetoothconnection, a Wi-Fi connection). Success or failure of this operationmay be stored (e.g., in an onboard log file).

In operation 210, a user or operator sets a mode of operation. This mayentail activation of one or more input controls to select the desiredmode, adjust any relevant parameters (e.g., temperature, duration,periodicity for cycling on/off), and/or other action. Operation of thedevice may begin immediately upon activation of a final control, or mayautomatically pause for a short period of time (e.g., a few seconds) toallow the user to make himself or herself comfortable, for example.

In operation 212, the electronic coldpack begins operating according tothe specified mode of operation. As described above, this operation mayentail any desired pattern of cooling, heating, alternating heating andcooling, changing temperature quickly or slowly, heating or coolingalternating with deactivation of the thermoelectric components, etc.

In operation 214, the apparatus determines whether operation shouldchange. If so, the method advances to operation 220; otherwise themethod returns to operation 212.

In operation 220, the apparatus determine how operation should change.Illustratively, if the user or an operator modifies the mode ofoperation or one or more operating parameters, the method may return tooperation 210. If the user or an operator turns off the apparatus, or ifthe programmed mode of operation has terminated, or if a powerconnection is interrupted (e.g., the object moves and disconnects atether that must be attached to enable operation), the method ends.

Some or all operations may be logged to an internal (and/or external)log file or history file, especially those operations that involvecooling or heating and setting operating parameters. Further, some orall operations may be confirmed with a display on a local or remotecontrol pad, and/or with audible signals.

An environment in which one or more embodiments described above areexecuted may incorporate a general-purpose device. Some details of suchdevices (e.g., processor, memory, data storage, display) may be omittedfor the sake of clarity. A component such as a processor or memory towhich one or more tasks or functions are attributed may be a generalcomponent temporarily configured to perform the specified task orfunction, or may be a specific component manufactured to perform thetask or function. The term “processor” as used herein refers to one ormore electronic circuits, devices, chips, processing cores and/or othercomponents configured to process data and/or computer program code.

Data structures and program code described in this detailed descriptionare typically stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium, which may be any device or medium that can store code and/ordata for use by a computer system. Non-transitory computer-readablestorage media include, but are not limited to, volatile memory,non-volatile memory, magnetic and optical storage devices such as diskdrives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact discs) and DVDs (digital versatilediscs or digital video discs), solid-state drives and/or othernon-transitory computer-readable media now known or later developed.

Methods and processes described in the detailed description can beembodied as code and/or data, which may be stored in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium as described above. When a processor orcomputer system reads and executes the code and manipulates the datastored on the medium, the processor or computer system performs themethods and processes embodied as code and data structures and storedwithin the medium.

Furthermore, the methods and processes may be programmed into hardwaremodules such as, but not limited to, application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and otherprogrammable-logic devices now known or hereafter developed. When such ahardware module is activated, it performs the methods and processedincluded within the module.

The foregoing embodiments have been presented for purposes ofillustration and description only. They are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the forms disclosed.Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent topractitioners skilled in the art. The scope is defined by the appendedclaims, not the preceding disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic coldpack, comprising: a flexibleand substantially flat base; one or more thermoelectric componentspermanently attached to the base; and a connection to electrical powerfor energizing the one or more thermoelectric components.
 2. Theelectronic coldpack of claim 1, wherein: the electronic coldpack iscapable of multiple modes of operation; a first mode of operation ischaracterized by all of the thermoelectric components being energized;and a second mode of operation is characterized by less than all of thethermoelectric components being energized.
 3. The electronic coldpack ofclaim 1, wherein: the one or more thermoelectric components includemultiple thermoelectric components; each thermoelectric component has afirst surface that absorbs heat and a second surface that dissipatesheat when the thermoelectric component is energized; and the firstsurfaces of a first subset of the thermoelectric components are coplanarwith the second surfaces of a second subset of the thermoelectriccomponents.
 4. The electronic coldpack of claim 3, wherein: theelectronic coldpack is capable of multiple modes of operation; in afirst mode of operation the first subset of thermoelectric components isenergized; and in a second mode of operation the second subset ofthermoelectric components is energized.
 5. The electronic coldpack ofclaim 1, further comprising: a control panel for controlling operationof the electronic coldpack.
 6. The electronic coldpack of claim 1,further comprising: means for affixing the electronic coldpack to anexternal object.
 7. The electronic coldpack of claim 1, furthercomprising: one or more sensors affixed to the base.
 8. The electroniccoldpack of claim 7, wherein the sensors include at least one of: atemperature sensor; an optical sensor; and an infrared sensor.
 9. Theelectronic coldpack of claim 1, wherein: the base comprises multiplelayers of fabric; and the one or more thermoelectric components aredisposed between the multiple layers of fabric.
 10. The electroniccoldpack of claim 1, wherein: the base comprises a flexible sheathenclosing the one or more thermoelectric components.
 11. The electroniccoldpack of claim 1, wherein: the one or more thermoelectric componentsare aligned in a grid pattern.
 12. The electronic coldpack of claim 11,further comprising: multiple sensors disposed within the grid pattern.13. A method of cooling an object with an electronic coldpack, themethod comprising: affixing the electronic coldpack to the object, theelectronic coldpack comprising one or more thermoelectric components;applying electrical power to the electronic coldpack; operating acontrol panel of the electronic coldpack to set a mode of operation; andmonitoring operation of the electronic coldpack.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein: the electronic coldpack further comprises a set of sensorsfor sensing a condition of the object; and monitoring operation of theelectronic coldpack comprises monitoring information reported by thesensors.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein: the object is a human; theset of sensors includes a first sensor for optically sensing a skincondition of the human; and the electronic coldpack is operated toperform cryosurgery on the skin condition.
 16. The method of claim 13,wherein the mode of operation is characterized by uninterruptedoperation for multiple hours.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein themode of operation is further characterized by repeated cycles of:energizing the one or more thermoelectric components; de-energizing theone or more thermoelectric components; and operating a sensor of theelectronic coldpack to detect a condition of the object.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein the condition is a temperature.